Fastcat 395 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel is characterized by its exceptionally low displacement—approximately 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)—which is nearly 30% lighter than many comparable 40-foot cruising catamarans. This weight savings was achieved through the use of Divinycell foam cores and Twaron (aramid) impact protection in the hulls, a construction method detailed in technical overviews by African Cats. While the builder later became famous for their electric hybrid "Green Motion" propulsion, the 395 was typically commissioned with twin diesel saildrives and a powerful, high-roach mainsail.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing the Fastcat 395 is often described by owners as a "lively" experience compared to the staid motion of mass-produced French catamarans. With a high sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat is capable of maintaining high speeds in light air, often matching wind speed up to 8–10 knots. The hull design features fine entries and a high bridge-deck clearance, which reduces the "slamming" effect common in choppy seas. According to editorial assessments in Multihulls World, the African Cats philosophy prioritizes a "wolf in sheep’s clothing" approach, where a seemingly comfortable cruiser possesses the underwater profile and weight distribution of a performance boat.

The 395 typically utilizes efficient low-aspect-ratio (LAR) keels, though some custom versions were explored with daggerboards. The LAR keels offer a compromise that allows for beaching and provides protection for the saildrives while still maintaining respectable pointing angles. Because the boat is so light, it is sensitive to weight; performance degrades noticeably if the vessel is overloaded with heavy aftermarket equipment like large washing machines or excessive battery banks.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Fastcat 395 reflects the builder’s obsession with weight management. Cabinetry is often constructed from lightweight foam-core panels with thin wood veneers, providing an aesthetic of luxury without the mass of solid timber. The most common layout is the "Owner’s Version," which dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite featuring a king-size berth aft and a large head forward. The port hull typically contains two double cabins or a double and a single, sharing a central head.

A hallmark of the Simonis Voogd design is the panoramic salon. Large vertical or near-vertical windows provide 360-degree visibility from the galley and nav station, a feature that was later refined in the larger Fastcat 435. Sibling variations include the "Vector K" edition, which featured upgraded performance packages, and the transition toward the 405 and 435 models, which shared similar hull lines but offered increased waterline length to better support cruising payloads.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Fastcat series gained significant international attention when the Fastcat 435 and 395 were featured in boat show circuits like La Rochelle and Annapolis in the mid-2000s. The builder’s push for "Green Motion" technology—an early hybrid system that allowed the propellers to regenerate electricity while sailing—was a frequent topic in Cruising World and other technical journals. The 395 specifically is noted in historical South African yachting records as a pioneer in the export of high-tech composite multihulls from the Durban boat-building hub.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Fastcat 395 should focus on the following technical areas:

• Hybrid System Viability: Many later Fastcats were fitted with "Green Motion" electric drives. If a 395 has been retrofitted or was an early adopter of this tech, the battery bank and motor controllers must be professionally tested, as early generation electric components can be difficult to source.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: The saildrives are housed in relatively tight compartments. Check the age of the rubber seals (diaphragms); manufacturers generally recommend replacement every 7 years, and access can be tight on these narrower hulls.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: Given the high loads generated by the performance rig, inspect the areas around the shroud chainplates and the mainsheet traveler for stress cracking or evidence of water ingress into the foam core.
• Weight Sensitivity: Verify the current displacement. Overloading is the primary "killer" of Fastcat performance. Look for signs of "squatting" at the stern, which suggests the boat has been laden with too much gear for its design profile.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels often congregate in the broader African Cats community. While no dedicated "395-only" association exists, the African Cats manufacturer site provides historical technical support and documentation for the legacy models.

The Verdict

The Fastcat 395 is an uncompromising choice for the sailor who wants the space of a multihull without sacrificing the joy of a fast, responsive helm.

Pros

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance for a cruising cat.
• High-quality epoxy infusion construction ensures a stiff, durable hull.
• Panoramic 360-degree visibility from the salon and galley.
• Shallow draft and protected keels allow for easy coastal gunkholing.

Cons

• Rare on the brokerage market, making parts and sistership comparisons difficult.
• Highly sensitive to weight; requires disciplined cruising habits.
• Lightweight interior finishes may lack the "heft" and traditional feel of heavier cruisers.